The first anniversary of Sept. 11 is likely to be a significant event throughout the country. While most people have overcome their reactions to the attacks, the anniversary of the tragedy may re-awaken intense feelings in both children and adults. This is particularly true for individuals who were directly impacted by the events.

Parents should be prepared to help their children cope during the potentially difficult period leading up to and immediately following the anniversary — a time when children and youth will also be adjusting to the usual challenges of starting a new school year. The following suggestions can help parents best meet the needs of their children and families.

Be prepared for your children (and for you) to experience a resurfacing of emotions. The range of reactions will vary depending on your children's personal history and connection to attacks. Some children will exhibit little to no change in emotion or behavior. Other children will re-experience feelings of anxiety, fear, anger, or grief like those felt a year ago. Related symptoms may include disruptive behavior, reduced concentration, heightened irritability or sensitivity, and withdrawal.

In most cases, symptoms will subside with your reassurance and support.

Be mindful of more severe reactions. Some children may demonstrate more intense, persistent reactions that warrant professional mental health intervention. These symptoms include:

* Refusing to go to school and excessive clinging

* Persistent fears related to the catastrophe

* Sleep disturbances such as nightmares, screaming during sleep or bedwetting

* Irritability and loss of concentration

* Being easily startled and jumpy

* New or unusual behavior problems

* Physical complaints for which a physical cause cannot be found

* Withdrawal from family and friends

* Sadness, listlessness, or decreased activity

* Preoccupation with the disaster

Allow your children opportunities to express their feelings. Take time to listen and talk but don't force discussion. Reassure them that it is okay to feel sad or upset when they remember an unhappy event and that it is natural to have such memories on anniversary dates.

Also, let them know that, with the passage of time, the feelings associated with these memories will lessen. Be patient; children do not always talk about their feelings readily. Watch for clues that they may want to talk, such as hovering around while you do the dishes or yard work.

Some children prefer writing, playing music, or doing an art project as an outlet. Young children may need concrete activities (such as drawing, looking at picture books or imaginative play) to help them identify and express their feelings.

Spend family time. Doing enjoyable activities with you reinforces your children's sense of stability and normalcy. Try to eat family meals, read, play games, watch non-violent, non-stressful TV together, go for a walk or bike ride, play sports, etc. To the extent possible, postpone business trips or evening meetings during this time period. Young children may also want more physical contact (e.g., hugs, holding hands, sitting on your lap, etc.).

You know your children best, and your love and support are the most important factors to their sense of security. Be observant and open to their questions, concerns, and/or increased signs of anxiety.

Maintain a normal routine but be flexible. Ensure that your child gets plenty of sleep, regular meals and exercise. This is particularly important because they are also adjusting to being back at school. Encourage them to keep up with their schoolwork and extracurricular activities but don't push them if they seem overwhelmed. Spend extra time with them at bedtime or let them keep the light on if they are having difficulty sleeping.

Share any concerns with your child's new teacher. This is important at any time during the school year, but particularly at the beginning when teachers have not had time to get to know their new students well. Let the teacher know if you think your child is likely to have a difficult time with the anniversary, what you think the teacher can do to best help your child cope, and the best way to communicate with you.

Reassure your children that they are safe. Remind them that adults are doing everything possible to prevent further harm. Young children need to know that you and other important adults in their lives are okay and will keep them safe. Older children can understand that there are no guarantees in life but that the chances of something happening to them are remote.

Remind them that attacks on the United States have targeted symbolic buildings, not local communities, and our government is working to improve prevention of and emergency response to terrorism.

Focus on your children's strengths. Remind them how well they have done since Sept. 11 and what they have learned about dealing with their emotions. Talk about the positive things they can do to maintain a sense of control, such as reviewing safety skills they may have learned at school; keeping their desk or room organized; spending time with friends and family; helping out at home; working harder at a favorite sport or hobby; or doing volunteer work.

Find out how your child's school is planning to handle the anniversary. Your school should have a plan for helping students during the anniversary period. This may include guidelines for conducting classroom activities, conducting memorial activities, reviewing school safety procedures, and access to mental health services for students who need them. You should be informed of these plans and know that participating in any activity should be your child's choice, not required by the school.

Be aware of the potential for bullying at school. Some students may act out their heightened emotions through anger or intimidation. Let your children know that you can help if they are being mistreated. Review coping strategies such as walking away and telling a trusted adult at school.

Ask your principal to have school staff be visible in common areas (e.g., hallways, the lunchroom, and locker rooms). They should also be aware of behavior on the bus and on the way to and from school for children who walk.

Help your child identify another trusted adult. For most children, the natural support systems of their friends and families provide the necessary sense of stability. It is helpful, however, for your child to know at least one other adult they can turn to if you or their friends are not available.

Remind your child to be respectful of other people's reactions. Children don't always know how to respond to classmates who seem sad, frightened or insecure. Suggest that simple actions, like saying, "I am sorry you are sad," or asking an upset classmate to eat lunch with them, will make both your child and their classmate feel better. Reiterate that teasing or bullying is never okay, that how people express their feelings is personal, and that all feelings are valid. However, encourage your child to tell an adult if a friend seems overwhelmed by their emotions or talks of hurting themselves or others.

Turn off the television and news radio. The media is likely to dramatize the anniversary. Watching replays of the attacks, predictions of future attacks, assessment of Homeland Security, or even stories about the history and whereabouts of the terrorists can raise your child's anxiety level.

Be aware of your own reactions. You may also be affected by the anniversary, particularly if your family was directly impacted by the attacks. Your children will look to you for guidance and will also gauge their current situation based on your reactions. You can be honest about your feelings but it is important that you are calm and